The Regressed Chaebol Grandson Finds It Hard to Forgive - Chapter 77

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Episode 77. The Woman Next Door (1)

“Still pushing back?”
“Yes…….”
“Fucking insane. Pretty face, no money, worthless bitch! I made you a star and now you want your own music?”

DM COMPANY. One of South Korea’s most prestigious production houses.
Shortened to DMC.

It operates under the DM Group, which ranked 14th among South Korean conglomerates in 2021.

Before its name change, the DM Group was known as Dongmyeong Group.

It manages key subsidiaries in food and restaurant services, biotechnology and logistics, and entertainment and media under a holding company structure.

It’s the only conglomerate to secure a place in the top 15 rankings without heavy industry.

Riding the wave of the global K-Culture phenomenon, DMC grew into the group’s flagship affiliate.

The executive office of DMC.
An upper-floor office in a large building occupying a prime location in Sangam-dong.

Unlike the past, it has now established itself as a core subsidiary of the DM Group.

It focuses on film and drama production, and the cultivation of idols and solo artists.

In conjunction with this, it’s also pursuing global content business partnerships and sales alliances.

Annual revenue exceeded four trillion won.

Now firmly established as a DM Group affiliate, but it began as an exile for heirs and heiresses.

A consolation prize for daughters passed over in the succession of core subsidiaries.
Yet it became a massive jackpot.

It was the result of twenty years of devoted cultivation by the current Chairman Go Jae-yong, renowned for his exceptional management acumen, and his younger sister Go Mi-hyun.

The problem arose when DMC showed explosive growth and Chairman Go Jae-yong’s attitude shifted.

He openly revealed his desire to absorb DMC.

It began when he appointed Go Mi-hyun to the honorary position of Group Vice Chairman.

Then he brought his daughter and son-in-law in as high-ranking executives at DMC.

Go Mi-hyun’s blood boiled, but she had no choice but to follow the orders of the controlling shareholder.

She kept only her vice-chairmanship and virtually withdrew from company operations.

She spent her time taking overseas trips whenever she could, cooling her frustration.

The company Go Mi-hyun had built became a playground for Go Jae-yong’s daughter and son-in-law, its new masters.

Yang Do-chul, who now occupied the executive office, was a connection planted by the son-in-law, Jang Jong-hun.

Yang Do-chul had run a small entertainment agency before joining DMC through an acquisition and merger, securing his position as director.

Yang Do-chul maintained a close(?) relationship with the son-in-law Jang Jong-hun.

Trusting in his wealthy in-law, he wielded formidable power within the company, acting with impunity.

Just now, he spewed curses unabashedly regarding a female singer-songwriter whose contract would soon expire.

He was still bitter over her album’s complete failure.

At the time, the singer had objected, but Yang Do-chul pushed through anyway.

He’d forced a punk rock style onto a female vocalist specializing in gentle, melancholic love songs.

It was a concept that obviously didn’t suit her at all.

Yang Do-chul, who had already pocketed payoffs from the composer, remained undeterred.

Externally, he packaged it as a bold new challenge and pushed the female vocalist forward.

This latest concept was more of the same.
Or rather, the problem was far more serious.

When it came to capitalizing on the trot trend sweeping the nation, he pushed in a direction that made no sense whatsoever.

This time too, the singer objected.

Yang Do-chul was pressuring her by invoking the expiration of her contract.

His implication was clear: who would take on a no-hope female singer-songwriter?

“What should we do?”
“You’re pushing the diet hard, right?”
“……She might end up in the hospital at this rate.”
“She won’t die! Half of them survive on water, salt, and a single egg a day. Who does she think she is, a top singer!!”

Yang Do-chul barked loudly, venting about the female vocalist who wouldn’t comply with his plans.

‘Bitch! Getting older and acting so proud!’

Yang Do-chul swallowed his contempt.
Several higher-ups had expressed interest in having her join their drinking parties.

The female vocalist possessed a honey-toned voice and a subtle sexiness entirely free of anything cheap or sordid.

Many were eyeing the hidden charm she didn’t flaunt.

Yang Do-chul once made the mistake of seating her at a gathering without thinking, only to receive a public rebuke.

From then on, he devised ways to break her spirit.

But society had changed significantly, and the social climate didn’t support what he wanted.

If word of these activities leaked to the outside world, DMC and Yang Do-chul would be finished.

So he calibrated his pressure carefully, ensuring nothing appeared overtly wrong.

He fed her songs that barely qualified as songs.

He restricted her diet under the guise of appearance management and dieting.

He expanded her exercise time to prevent any rest, working her to exhaustion.

Through her manager, he monitored her private life as well.

Despite not being an idol, she was placed under thorough control—not just the company’s, but Yang Do-chul’s in particular.

“…….”

The team leader reporting the situation fell silent.

Cross Director Yang Do-chul, and you’re out—immediately.

The entertainment market in South Korea was small and tight-knit.

Get blacklisted and you’d struggle to find work in the industry again.

“Squeeze her harder! Keep complete control until she gets the contract stamp and sings trot!”

“Yes, sir!”
“And next month, move her out. She’s not worthy of living there on company money.”
“Understood.”

There was a time when this vocalist had plenty of events.

Working solo, she earned decent money each time she performed.

And we have some acquaintance.

Her skin is flawlessly clean, unblemished.

Seo Da-hee is now in her late twenties.

A slender frame and eyes that convey innocence and clarity.

Something special.

An innate talent.

“What brings you here?”

I enjoy her songs, though I wouldn’t call myself an ardent fan.

I ask her in an even tone.

The way she’s pulled her cap down low and glances around suggests she’s keenly aware of others’ attention.

Her clear eyes carry a hint of anxiety.

Such behavior seems out of place within Signiel’s secure systems—there’s nothing to fear here.

“Then…… thank you for helping me. Back then.”
“It’s nothing. Anyone would have done the same.”

The woman I helped was Seo Da-hee.
The fact itself surprises me.

Receiving her thanks somehow lifts my spirits.

A female vocalist whose songs I love.

“…….”

I sense she has more to say.

But her lips merely tremble slightly before stilling.

The energy she radiates isn’t bright.

“Is there anything I could help with?”

This is our second meeting.
She looks far more fragile than the first time.

A dark aura hovers around Seo Da-hee, seeming ready to swallow her whole.

It’s a color of energy I’ve never seen before.

Similar to what Park Ji-ung showed me, yet different.

Ji-ung stood at a crossroads, on the verge of choosing a path of malice, but Seo Da-hee now…….

Whoosh.

She raises her head slightly and looks at me.

Pitter-patter.

“……!!”

What did I…… what did I do??

For a moment, I’m flustered, blinking helplessly.

“Your name is…….”

“I’m…”
“I know.”

At my response, Seo Da-hee wipes away the tears streaming down her face.

She seems to live next door to me.

You can’t access each floor without a master card for the residents.

“I have a request…….”

Yes, that’s the expression I expected.

It’s past eleven at night.

A man and woman conversing in front of an elevator.

If anyone saw this, there could be a misunderstanding.

It’s the sort of situation that could damage her reputation.
“So…….”

The sultry expression and honeyed voice I’ve seen on screen.

Here in reality, she struggles intensely.

“Tell me. I can help…….”

Grrrowl.

“……??”

A loud sound suddenly emerges from her stomach.

Embarrassed, Seo Da-hee hangs her head low.

Could it be?

Whoosh.

After a moment, as if having made a decision, Seo Da-hee straightens her head and looks directly at me.

“Do you have any ramen at home? Could you…… cook me a bowl?”

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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